Licensing Guides
Vermont HVAC License: How to Become an HVAC Contractor in Vermont
HVAC, VTTable of Contents
How Long Does it Take to Get an HVAC Contractors License in Vermont?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC License in Vermont
Learning a trade requires hard work and determination. You can’t rush the process, but the time you put into learning how to become an HVACR technician or contractor can lead to a career that is long-lasting, lucrative, and fulfilling. There are 425,200 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers nationwide, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Vermont employs 1,050 of them.
Employment is projected to grow 8% from 2024 to 2034 throughout the country, adding more than 40,000 of these skilled workers to the ranks. In Vermont, that growth rate is projected at 7%, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website.
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Contractors struggle to find skilled tradesmen like plumbers, electricians, and HVACR or mechanical professionals while the demand for them continues to grow. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, “Construction employment in Vermont in July 2025 totaled 15,700, a decrease of 400 (-2%) from July 2024 and an increase of 400 or 3% from February 2020.” So, if you get the training you need, you should have a variety of jobs to choose from.
A large part of what HVAC contractors and technicians do is replace and repair existing systems. As more emphasis is placed on energy efficiency and reducing pollution, systems need to be retrofitted, upgraded or replaced entirely to comply with these new standards. HVAC contractor license requirements vary from state to state and, in some cases, from locality to locality. Vermont offers statewide licenses for HVAC technicians who want to specialize in certain areas.
Licensing Requirements for HVAC Contractors in Vermont
Is state licensing required to perform HVAC work in Vermont? No, but Vermont offers an Electrical Specialist (ES) license for HVAC contractors and technicians wishing to obtain licensure in specialty areas.
The three largest cities in Vermont — Burlington, South Burlington, and Essex — do not require HVAC licensing to work on the local level, but may require permits. It’s always best to check with the local jurisdictions in advance.
Types of HVAC Licenses in Vermont
What are the different types of HVAC/Mechanical licenses in Vermont?
The Electrical Specialist (ES) license for HVAC contractors can be obtained through the Vermont Department of Public Safety Division of Fire Safety. The ES license types available for HVAC contractors fall into two classifications:
Automatic Gas/Oil Heating (A1): Required for any individual who installs or services HVAC units with propane, natural gas, or oil, such as gas furnaces or oil burners.
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (C3): Required for any individual who installs or services units with refrigeration systems or air conditioning.
The requirements for these licenses include:
Must complete a recognized training program and obtain one year (2,000 hours) of experience. If no training program is completed, you must obtain two years (4,000 hours) of experience.
Requires a signed and notarized application form with applicable fee.
Must supply three references.
Must pass a background check with the State of Vermont.
Must pass the licensing exam.
Steps to Get an HVAC License in Vermont
Be at least 18 years of age and a high school graduate or have a GED.
Complete a certified HVAC training program and gain one year (2,000 hours) of specialty work experience in the HVAC industry. Or, provide proof of at least two years (4,000 hours) of on-the-job experience in the HVAC field.
Pass a background check with the state of Vermont.
Apply for your desired license type with the Vermont Division of Fire Safety, meeting all requirements and paying a fee.
Take and pass an exam.
Receive license.
Benefits of Getting an HVAC License in Vermont
There are many benefits to getting your Vermont HVACR/Mechanical license:
Most importantly, it is required by law in Vermont to be licensed through the state to install or service HVAC units with propane, natural gas, or oil, such as gas furnaces or oil burners, as well as units with refrigeration or air conditioners.
A trade license is proof of your experience and skill.
Having a license protects your company and customers.
A license gives you a competitive advantage in the job market.
It also increases your earning potential.
What Is the Mean Wage for an HVAC Technician in Vermont?
The annual mean wage for HVAC mechanics and installers in Vermont is $60,790, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, that salary can increase as you acquire more experience. An HVAC technician salary database, shared with ServiceTitan by Payscale.com, projects the median HVAC technician salary will increase nationally in 2025 by 3.44% for entry-level workers, 3.46% for intermediate level, 3.62% for senior level HVAC professionals, and 3.53% for supervisors. In Vermont, those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $51,200
Intermediate (2-4 years): $62,200
Senior (4-7 years): $73,000
Supervisor (>7 years): $85,900
The meaning of a “mean” and “median salary” can be confusing. Here is the difference:
Mean tells you the mathematical average salary.
Median salary tells you the point at which 50% of workers make less and 50% make more, and is usually a better indicator of what most people actually earn.
Salaries can vary widely depending on the city where you work and other factors like education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession. If you choose to start an HVAC business, this blog can give you an idea of what you can expect to make and what factors will influence that number.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of an HVAC technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based, all-in-one HVAC software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly.
SMS communications that keep customers informed about the technician’s visit.
Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app.
Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency.
The ability to build multi-option proposals with photos, on-site, in minutes.
Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive average tickets.
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow.
To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.
How Much Does It Cost to Get an HVAC License in Vermont?
How you get started will determine your upfront costs. If you figure out this is your intended path while you’re still in high school, you can begin free of charge as a student through the Career Technical Education System. There are CTE programs offered in HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and many other skill-based professions.
Since Vermont does not require classroom training, you only need to meet employer expectations, and some may be willing to train you strictly on the job. However, the most common first step to an entry-level job in the HVAC field in Vermont is completing a recognized HVAC training program. There are several offered in the Green Mountain State. Vermont State University offers two degree programs for students interested in HVAC system design and engineering. The first is an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Architectural and Building Engineering Technology that takes two years and is 65 credits. The second is a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Architectural Engineering, which takes four years and is 124 credits. In-state tuition is $446 per credit.
If you find an employer to sponsor you in an HVAC or electrical specialty apprenticeship, you can get the required classroom instruction through Vermont Technical College at no cost through Vermont Department of Labor grant funding.
The cost to take the EPA Section 608 Certification Examination can be as low as $20 for the Type I exam and upwards of $150 for the Universal Exam, but that is typically included in an apprentice or college training program.
License specialty exams are $80 each. An Electrical Specialist license costs $115 per specialty.
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How to Get an HVAC License in Vermont
An HVAC career path refers to the different positions you can advance to as your skills and experience in HVAC develop. In Vermont, becoming an HVAC/Mechanical professional isn’t fast, but it’s very straightforward.
APPRENTICESHIP/WORK EXPERIENCE: You will need to be at least 18 years old and have graduated from high school or earned a GED equivalent. To meet the experience requirement for an Electrical Specialist (ES) license, you either need to complete a recognized training program and obtain one year (2,000 hours) of experience, or gain at least two years (4,000 hours) of on-the-job experience in the HVAC field.
BACKGROUND CHECK: Before applying, you must pass a background check with the state of Vermont.
APPLY FOR LICENSE: Download, print out, and complete an electrician license application. The application is the same for all electrical license types. You’ll need to submit your apprenticeship certificate of completion or proof of on-the-job training, experience, and instruction. Mail the notarized application and the $115 application fee to: Division of Fire Safety, Central Office, Licensing Division, 45 State Drive, Waterbury, VT 05671-8200.
PASS EXAM: Once your application is approved, you may take and pass the required exam. The exam is administered by Prov Exams and costs $80. Prov provides a Candidate Information Bulletin with exam information.
Check out our blog post to learn about the 11 Key HVAC Skills Every Technician Should Have. And, if you choose to pursue owning your own business, you’ll need to stay on top of the changing regulations.
How Long Does it Take to Get an HVAC Contractors License in Vermont?
In Vermont, the Electrical Specialist (ES) license with classification options for Automatic Gas/Oil Heating (A1) or Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (C3) can be completed with a combination of HVAC training and coursework in an approved school and 2,000 hours (one year) of work in an apprenticeship program.
HVAC training programs offered by approved schools in Vermont take one to two years to complete, depending on the program.
The other alternative for obtaining an ES license in the A1 or C3 classifications requires at least two years of work experience (4,000 hours).
Both options require candidates to apply to the Vermont Department of Public Safety Division of Fire Safety and pass a licensing exam.
The great news is that as an apprentice, you begin earning a wage from the very beginning and that compensation goes up each year as you acquire more training and knowledge until you are fully licensed. As a licensed contractor you can start your own HVAC business, be your own boss, and grow your business as much as you want.
Vermont HVAC Training Programs and Schools
If you want to build your knowledge base before beginning as an apprentice, there are several options throughout the state.
There are currently two main organizations that approve HVAC programs and schools nationwide: HVAC Excellence and the Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA). There are no accredited options within the state.
Niche provides a list of the best trade schools with HVAC and refrigeration engineering technician degrees in Vermont.
Tuition: According to Community College Review, the average tuition for Vermont community colleges is approximately $6,570 per year for in-state students and $12,134 for out-of-state students.
Apprenticeship: There are all kinds of apprenticeships that will satisfy the licensing requirement in Vermont. You can apply for a union training program like the ones offered through UA Local 693.
Or you could choose a non-union training program through a trade organization like the Heating and Cooling Contractors of Vermont. Or you could simply apply for one of the apprentice positions listed on ZipRecruiter or Indeed to see if an employer will sponsor you instead. Just remember that your apprenticeship needs to be recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Program Prerequisites: You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or a GED.
On-the-Job Experience: While on the job you will need to have good customer service skills, be detail-oriented, have some mechanical capability, and be physically fit because the job can include some heavy lifting and hours of walking, standing, and working in tight spaces.
For more detailed information about HVAC school options in Vermont, check out our Ultimate Guide to HVAC Schools in Vermont.
Vermont HVAC Mechanical Licensing Exam Details
All applicants must pass an exam in their specialty after their application is approved. The exams are administered by Prov Exams and cost $80 each. Click this link to learn more about registration, exam fees, testing centers, the reference material for each exam, and rescheduling your appointment.
How Can I Prepare for the HVAC License Exam in Vermont?
The Type-S Journeyman electrician for Automatic Gas and Oil Heating exam consists of 40 questions that must be completed in 1.5 hours. Question topics include:
General Electrical Knowledge
Motors and Controls
Wiring Methods and Materials
Wiring and Protection
Local Amendments
The Vermont Type-S Journeyman electrician for Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Electrical exam consists of 35 questions that must be completed in 1.5 hours. Question topics include:
General Electrical Knowledge
Motors and Controls
Low Voltage
Local Amendments
Who Issues HVAC Licenses in Vermont?
The Electrical Specialist (ES) licenses for HVAC contractors are issued by the Vermont Department of Public Safety Division of Fire Safety.
Does My Vermont HVAC License Work in Any Other State?
Vermont has reciprocity agreements with Maine and New Hampshire. This means your experience may lead to an expedited licensing process in those states.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC License in Vermont?
Maine and New Hampshire applicants can skip the exam for licensure if they hold a similar license in their state. With the application, they must include a certified letter from their reciprocating state and a photocopy of their license.
HVAC Specific Requirements: EPA Certification
Throughout the country, including in Vermont, federal-level EPA regulations under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act require that technicians who maintain, service, repair, or dispose of equipment that could release refrigerants into the atmosphere must be certified. EPA Section 608 HVAC Certification is required for any professional who conducts refrigerant line-pressure tests or handles or adds refrigerant to existing air conditioning systems.
Most training programs can direct you to how and where to get that certification, or your employer will require you to get it before handling refrigerant. You can also go to EPA.gov and key in 608 Certification in the search bar to find out which institutions in your state offer certification programs. All apprenticeships will include this preparation and testing.
Take Technician Certification Exam: You must acquire your EPA Certification from an approved organization. A list of these organizations can be found on the EPA’s website. There are four types of EPA Certifications for Refrigerants. They allow for different levels of certification for different scopes of work.
Type I – for servicing small appliances containing five pounds of refrigerant or less.
Type II – for servicing high-pressure units that contain five pounds or more of refrigerant (including most small commercial and residential systems).
Type III – for servicing or disposing of low-pressure appliances.
Universal – for servicing all systems and appliances covered under Types I, II, and III. Generally more useful than targeting any one specific certification.
Core Exam
For all certifications, you must pass the “Core Section” of the EPA certification exam. It covers the following topics:
Ozone depletion
Clean Air Act and the Montreal Protocol
Section 608 regulations
Substitute refrigerants and oils
Refrigeration
The Three R’s (Recover, Recycle, Reclaim)
Recovery techniques
Dehydration evacuation
Safety
Shipping
National HVAC Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. North American Technical Excellence (NATE) certification, ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers) certification, and other professional certifications are not required but can add to your marketability as a service provider and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money.
Other Requirements Unique to Vermont
Applications must be renewed online every three years. There’s a $115 renewal fee.
Are There HVAC Scholarships in Vermont?
Yes, there are several HVAC or trade school scholarships in Vermont. Scholarship opportunities include:
The Vermont Trades Forgivable Loan Program covers up to full tuition, initial licensing fees, and exam fees for qualified students enrolled in an industry-recognized training and certification program in high-demand trades, which includes HVAC.
Be sure to check with your high school or area community organizations for local scholarships that help students begin their career in the HVAC trade.
How Can Someone Verify My HVAC License in Vermont?
Potential clients or employees may verify your Vermont HVAC license by visiting the Division of Fire Safety’s Electrician page. The website provides a current list of licensed electricians (which includes the specialty HVAC licenses) in the state.
When Can an HVAC License Be Suspended in Vermont?
A suspended HVACR/Mechanical license means that the license holder is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Some of the common reasons that Vermont HVACR/Mechanical licenses can be suspended are:
If the license was wrongfully or fraudulently obtained
If the licensee has violated or failed to comply with Vermont Statutes
If the licensee is found by the Board of Electricians to be unqualified to hold the license
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Vermont HVAC license regulations you can refer to the official Vermont Statutes.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed HVAC Work in Vermont?
Anyone who performs HVAC work without a required Electrical Specialist license can be fined up to $500 per offense, according to Vermont Statutes.
Continuing Education
Your specialty license expires after three years, at which time you will receive a notice from the licensing board. To renew a specialty license, you must provide proof of completing at least eight hours of continuing education at an approved training program, and up to 15 hours of continuing education if you hold a license in more than one specialty.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all HVAC industry news several ways:
Check top HVAC blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends.
Listen to top HVAC podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast..
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